A DRAMATIC WOOD NETSUKE OF A NOH DANCER, ATTRIBUTED TO MIWA
A DRAMATIC WOOD NETSUKE OF A NOH DANCER, ATTRIBUTED TO MIWA
Attributed to Miwa, unsigned
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The actor wearing a demonic mask and standing hunched over, one foot raised and arms outspread in a dynamic posture. The mouth is opened, nostrils flared, brows furrowed, and the eyes are inlaid in stained bone. The square sleeves are extended like wings as the actor grips the hems with boldly carved fingers; the feet are similarly enveloped. The frightening expression is accentuated by long, straight hair which falls to the actor's feet. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the back. Unsigned, however the type of wood used, strong expression, and use of inlays, suggests the Miwa lineage.
HEIGHT 3.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and small nick to the base of her trousers.
Provenance: Collection of Fritz Niescher, and thence by descent in the same family. Fritz Niescher (1889-1974) was a Chemnitz entrepreneur who built an impressive collection comprised of Japanese works of art and modern art. His extensive collection included works by Ernst Barlach and Otto Dix. Pieces from his collection have been part of traveling exhibits since his death, and many are housed today in the Ernst Barlach Haus in Hamburg.
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A DRAMATIC WOOD NETSUKE OF A NOH DANCER, ATTRIBUTED TO MIWA
Attributed to Miwa, unsigned
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
The actor wearing a demonic mask and standing hunched over, one foot raised and arms outspread in a dynamic posture. The mouth is opened, nostrils flared, brows furrowed, and the eyes are inlaid in stained bone. The square sleeves are extended like wings as the actor grips the hems with boldly carved fingers; the feet are similarly enveloped. The frightening expression is accentuated by long, straight hair which falls to the actor's feet. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the back. Unsigned, however the type of wood used, strong expression, and use of inlays, suggests the Miwa lineage.
HEIGHT 3.9 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and small nick to the base of her trousers.
Provenance: Collection of Fritz Niescher, and thence by descent in the same family. Fritz Niescher (1889-1974) was a Chemnitz entrepreneur who built an impressive collection comprised of Japanese works of art and modern art. His extensive collection included works by Ernst Barlach and Otto Dix. Pieces from his collection have been part of traveling exhibits since his death, and many are housed today in the Ernst Barlach Haus in Hamburg.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
